Page 30 of Knot My Band: Part Two

“I agree, little rose,” Chase says, pressing a kiss against the crown of my head.

“It’s the best move,” Dax affirms, the determination evident in his stance.

Aiden nods. “We need you safe.”

“Then let’s do it,” I declare, ready to face this new challenge head-on.

To the left of the twins, a mountain of a man with eyes like steel traps—nods at me.

I exhale with relief. My alphas feel it, too. I can tell by the way their shoulders relax ever so slightly.

The security team turns to leave, their movements synchronized and precise like a well-rehearsed dance routine. Ican’t help but admire their efficiency as they file out the door one by one with that same commanding presence that had filled the space moments ago.

“Goodbye!” I shout before snuggling back into Chase.

The door shuts with a soft hiss, sealing us in our own little world once more. Silence blankets the interior, but it’s not empty or awkward—it’s loaded with relief that this will be over soon.

Dax

ALPHA TEA GOSSIP COLUMN

MAY THORNTON MYSTERIOUSLY QUIET AFTER A SERIES OF INTERVIEWS ATTACKING OLI HART AND THE EDGE

June 10th

Istare down at the stash I’ve been hoarding in a pile on my bed. There’s never a chance for time alone with Oli on this tour. We are almost always all together, but right now, while we drive to Atlanta, Aiden, Chase, and Jack are playing cards at the table, but Oli is reading on the couch.

This is probably my best chance for even a little privacy. I got lucky with the bracelet because the three of them were handling the press, but I doubt it will happen again soon.

I almost lost Oli when she was attacked, and she wouldn’t have ever known how I felt about her. So, I can’t wait until Miami.

I pause at the edge of my bunk, take a shuddering breath, and try to cobble together the right words in my mind. My heart’s doing this wild thing within me, thumping like it’s trying to break out and find her all on its own. This has to work. I need it to work.

I force my fingers to unclench from the fists they’ve become and grab the pile of things I think Oli likes.

I push open the door with a determination that feels raw.

Oli is curled up on the sofa. Her hair spills over the cushion, her green eyes hidden from me as they devour the pages of her latest read.

I pause, just watching her for a beat before stepping forward.

“Uh-hem.” I clear my throat rougher than I intended because, apparently, even my vocal cords are clumsy around her.

She startles, her focus snapping up to me.

I inch closer with what I hope passes for casual confidence. However, the collection of items feels heavier than it should, weighted by my unspoken apology and desire to make things right.

“Hey yourself,” she quips back, closing the book on her lap with a soft thud, a bookmark peeking out.

“Got something for you.” My voice comes out more breath than sound. I’m not the kind of person who gets nervous easily, but Oli is the exception.

It should be easier after how much she liked the bracelet, but I’m still panicking.

“Really?” A playful tilt of her head, and her hair catches the dim light.

I edge onto the seat beside her, close enough that our knees almost touch. Almost. I pull the items from behind my back.

Oli has a giant sweet tooth, so the first thing I got was a bag of candy. Then I noticed she always chooses the green ones from the mix, so I put together a bag of sour green candies.